Elba — Golfo della Lacona

About This Anchorage

Golfo della Lacona is one of Elba's largest and most beautiful bays — a sweeping arc of white sand on the SE coast, flanked by the Calamita peninsula (iron ore mining area) to the S. The bay is large enough to accommodate numerous boats with good swing room, and the sand bottom gives excellent holding. The long sandy beach (1.5km) is backed by pine trees and summer beach establishments. The bay is one of the few Elban anchorages where you can anchor comfortably in winds up to 25 knots — the wide arc of the N coast provides effective wind shadow.

Hazards

• !Scirocco (SE): The main hazard — SE swell builds into the open bay quickly; if Scirocco forecast above F4, the bay becomes uncomfortable and departure to N coast anchorages is advisable
• !Shoaling near Punta di Lacona: The SE headland has shoal water extending 200m offshore — give a clear berth
• !Windsurfing and kite surfing: The bay is popular for wind sports in the afternoon breeze — maintain clear distance from the beach launch areas
• !Summer beach crowds: The proximity to beach establishments means dinghy landing can be congested at peak times

Skipper's Tips

• →The Calamita peninsula (SE headland) was a major iron ore mining area from Etruscan times — rusty red rock outcrops visible from the bay; the minerals stain the water a distinctive colour around the headland
• →The N bay anchorage is more protected than it appears from the chart — the NE hills behind provide a good wind break from NE–N
• →Marina di Campo (4nm W) has excellent provisions and the best fish market on Elba's south coast
• →In Scirocco, an excellent alternative is the Porto Azzurro anchorage (7nm E) — well protected from SE by the Calamita peninsula

Nearby Anchorages